Vol. 509 No. 5
77 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will appoint International Women's Day on 8 March 2000 a public holiday in recognition of the special contribution which women have made and continue to make to Irish and world society. [20916/99]
The Government has already approved the designation of 31 December 1999 as a special once-off public holiday to commemorate the Millennium.
The Government recognises and values deeply the great contribution rendered by women to the betterment of society both in Ireland and throughout the world. Accordingly, it welcomes the designation by the UN of International Women's Day on 8 March 2000 as a day on which to call world attention to, and to celebrate, that great contribution. However, there are no plans to mark International Women's Day – or indeed any other days in the foreseeable future – as public holidays.
